/ General information
General information: Gomel diocese
In 2002, nine deacon and five priest ordinations were performed.
The clergy of the diocese worked for the spiritual nourishment of parishioners and those Orthodox Christians who are in prison. In Gomel, the women's colony UZH15/4 is regularly visited by Archpriest Sergius Leonkov, Archpriest John Lendel, Archpriest Andrei Krivitsky, and the sisters of the St. Tikhvin Convent. Particular care is shown for HIV-infected people, tuberculosis patients and juvenile prisoners. Several girls released from the penitentiary colony spent the first time after their liberation living in a convent, where, under the leadership of Priest Vladimir Sulimov and the sisters of the monastery, they underwent social rehabilitation, joined the life of the Church, and worked in obedience. The branch of the women's colony is located in the Rechitsa district of the Gomel region. This department is cared for by a priest from the urban village of Vasilevichi, Rechitsa district, Priest Georgy Novikov. Protodeacon Vladimir Semerok and other priests regularly visit the detention center, where they conduct radio conversations for 1,500 people, and visit prisoners in their cells.
Cooperation continues with the NGO "Alternativa" - a public organization in Svetlogorsk that deals with the problem of drug addicts. Priest Vladimir Sulimov in Gomel, Archpriest Igor Lazovsky and Priest Alexander Kisel in Svetlogorsk are actively involved in drug addiction problems. For people suffering from drug addiction, on Fridays in the St. Peter and Paul Church in Svetlogorsk, an akathist is read before the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice,” conversations and video screenings are held, and pilgrimages are made to local shrines. Step by step, these suffering souls come to life; young people, stricken by a terrible illness, take their first, often timid, but full of love and hope steps towards God.
At the arrival in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" a Spiritual and Educational Center was created in Gomel. The rector of the parish and the organizer of the center is Priest Vadim Kochan. The following are open at the Center:
1. Two-year catechetical courses; Patriotic club "Vityaz"; Icon studio; Church singing circle; Sunday School; Radioelectronics Club; Cutting and sewing courses.
In Gomel, teacher Irina Laikova continues to work at the Ulukovo boarding school among orphans and children left without parental care. Taking into account the abilities and capabilities of the children, they studied such topics as the Law of God, Lives of Saints, Orthodox holidays, Icons of the Mother of God, Conversations on religious topics; musical and other games were held.
All orphanages and boarding schools in the city are spiritually nourished by the clergy and laity of Gomel. With the help of philanthropists, children are constantly visiting churches, where they get acquainted with church life, confess, and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. The sacrament of Baptism is usually performed in an orphanage or boarding school.
Not only clergy and adult believers, but also children are involved in events in orphanages and boarding schools. On the great holidays of Easter and Christmas, the girls' and children's choirs of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of Gomel visit orphanages, a nursing home, and a psychiatric hospital. And for the choir participants, and for the children of orphanages, patients of the Regional Psychiatric Hospital and the Nursing Home, the celebrations take on special joy thanks to these happy moments of warm communication, the exchange of congratulations and hand-made gifts.
Protodeacon John Skrekoten and his wife care for the deaf and mute members of the Gomel Society for the Disabled. Meetings, lectures, excursions to museums and churches are held in a language accessible to these people.
Protodeacon Vladimir regularly conducts talks and lectures with students from educational institutions of Gomel State University and the Belarusian University of Transport, the Polytechnic University and the Cooperative Institute, the Medical Institute and the Institute for Teacher Improvement, Road Construction, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering Colleges, Pedagogical and Medical Schools.
In 2002, the clergy of the diocese took part in round tables organized by the Society of St. Cyril of Turov, the Gomel branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, and the Regional Psychiatric Hospital.
The libraries of all universities and technical schools in Gomel, the pre-trial detention center, the regional hospital, as well as Sixteen city libraries have stands of spiritual literature, which are constantly replenished.
A significant event in the life of the city in 2002 was the consecration of a new church in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, which was performed by the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
Much work is being done to reconstruct the St. Nicholas Church in the monastery of the same name in Gomel. The monks of the monastery serve the monastery courtyard with a temple in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, and also perform divine services in the parish in honor of the Nativity of the Mother of God in the village of Tereshkovichi.
In total, there are 13 Orthodox communities registered in Gomel. The House of Mercy opens with a parish in honor of the holy righteous Matrona of Moscow.
In 2002, it was ten years since the start of church television broadcasts on regional television, in which it participates. The regional radio broadcast network began broadcasting weekly church radio programs live. The Gomel clergy is working on them together.
In the Zhlobin deanery, a residential building was built on the territory of the Holy Trinity Church, and gas heating was installed in the temple. On their own, the community began painting the temple. In the village of Kazimirovo, Zhlobin district, where the women’s monastic monastery is located, the Holy Dormition Church was consecrated, and construction of the monastic building began. Sunday school classes are held for children and adults, and an icon-painting class operates.
In the Rechitsa deanery, the restoration of the previously abandoned Holy Assumption Cathedral is nearing completion. The clergy of Rechitsa provides care for the following city institutions: A comprehensive boarding school for deaf children; Departments of Physical Culture and Sports; Rechitsa Pedagogical College; Rechitsa City Department of Internal Affairs; The House for arts and crafts for children; Rechitsa boarding school for orphans.
In Rogachev, the dean of the Rogachev deanery district, Archpriest Peter Garayev, with the help of the Sisterhood in honor of the saint. Euphrosyne of Polotsk takes care of the local regional hospital and boarding school.
In the Chechersk deanery, thanks to the care of donors, a chapel was built in honor in the urban village of Svetilovichi.
A cathedral in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord is being built in Svetlogorsk. The parish rector holds talks in city libraries, meets with conscripts into the Armed Forces, and appears on local television on the eve of church holidays.
In Dobrush, the rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius Varaksin, conducts classes with disabled children. In the Dobrush gymnasium, monthly conversations on spiritual and moral education are held with students of the cadet class, and in the district library - conversations with city residents on religious topics. The organization of a Christmas tree for disabled children has become traditional. The regional newspaper "Dobrushsky Krai" publishes articles and sermons. Twice a month, local radio broadcasts programs on religious topics. The restoration of the Holy Trinity Church, a monument of wooden architecture, in the village is nearing completion. Krupets of the Dobrush deanery.
In the St. John of Kormyansky convent in the village of Korma, Dobrush region, the canopy over the shrine with the relics of the holy righteous John of Kormyansky is gilded. The clergy and sisters of the monastery provide care for the nursing home in. village of Ogorodnya.
In the diocese in 2002, the church activity of the believing people increased noticeably. This is especially evident during fasting days, when the number of people confessing and partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ increases significantly. In this regard, the demands placed on pastors are increasing.
The city of Gomel is one of the oldest settlement centers in Rus' and in modern Belarus. Its roots are lost in the depths of history, but it is known that in the ninth century the territories of the modern Gomel region were subordinated to the Kyiv prince. Therefore, after Christianity began to quickly spread here too. Ultimately, this led to the formation of an independent Gomel diocese in the region, a photo of which can be seen in the review.
Ancient history of the diocese
The first archaeologically confirmed evidence of the presence of Christian communities in the territory dates back to the eleventh century. However, it is difficult to say exactly when church adherents first appeared in this territory. It is possible that even before 988, the official date of the adoption of Christianity by Russia, missions and communities of believers functioned in the settlements of the region.
In 1054, when the Principality of Chernigov was formed, Gomel became part of it as one of the significant fortified cities. And in church terms, its parishes and monasteries were ruled by the Chernigov bishop. In addition, a number of territories, which today are also cared for by the Gomel diocese, were subordinated to the Turov and Smolensk departments.
Diocese from the XIV to the XVIII centuries.
Not much is known about church life during this period. In the 30s of the fourteenth century, Gomel joined the Principality of Lithuania.
Documents from various centuries mention various Orthodox churches in the city. This is the St. Nicholas Cathedral of the late fourteenth century, then the Prechistensky Church and the Trinity Church of the early sixteenth century.
In the eighteenth century, work began on the construction of a religious school, and a few months later, in 1772, due to the division of Poland, Gomel came under the control of the Russian crown. Moreover, the affairs of the Orthodox Church on its territory fall under the jurisdiction of the Minsk diocese.
Department in the 19th century
So Gomel existed until the mid-nineteenth century, when it became a district center within the Mogilev province. At the same time, new churches were erected on its territory - in honor of the Supreme Ones and Paul and the Holy Trinity. In total, in the mid-nineteenth century, there were five Orthodox churches and one monastery functioning in Gomel. The need for spiritual education was satisfied by the theological school.
The Gomel diocese still did not have independent governance; all its affairs were managed by the Mogilev bishop. This position remained for quite a long time, right up to the twentieth century. This was due to the fact that the number of the Orthodox population was not so large for the establishment of an independent department.
Gomel diocese in the 20th century (until 1990)
The situation changed at the beginning of the twentieth century. Due to the increase in population and the construction of a number of new churches, the Gomel diocese acquired some weight. As a result, in 1907 the Gomel Vicariate was established. This status of the region remained after the 1917 revolution. Only in 1924 did the suffragan see emerge from the tutelage of the Mogilev bishop and acquire independent status. Its first ruling bishop was Nikon (Degtyarenko).
But along with independence, the Gomel diocese faced opposition from the authorities. In 1925, the second ruling bishop Tikhon (Sharapov) was arrested a few months after his appointment to the department. And although legally he remained its head until 1934, the actual management of the parishes was carried out by other bishops. A little later, with the closure of the Cathedral of the Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul in 1935, the diocese ceased to exist altogether.
A brief period of thaw occurred during the Second World War. At this time, the Gomel diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church functioned, which retained the status of an autonomous structure. After the war it ceased to exist.
Diocese of Gomel after 1990
The revival of full-blooded church life in the region occurred only in the 90s. twentieth century. Officially, the Gomel diocese was restored in 1990 to the status of an independent see, whose canonical territory coincided with the borders of the region. The first bishop called to govern the newly opened diocese was His Eminence Aristarkh (Stankevich) with the title “Gomel and Mozyr”.
Two years later, the Mozyr department was transferred from the diocese to an independent structure. As a result of this, Zhlobin became the second center of the diocese.
In 2007, within the Gomel See, by decision of the Holy Synod, the Rechitsa Vicariate was formed, which, however, did not last long - until 2012.
After the death of Archbishop Aristarchus, the department was headed by Bishop Stefan (Neshcheret).
Gomel diocese: parishes and deaneries
Today, the territory of the department occupies a significant area and has a large number of believers, due to which direct leadership of local church structures from the urban center is difficult. Therefore, the Gomel diocese, whose parishes are dispersed in many areas of the region, is divided into ten district deaneries, the leadership of which oversees all parish activities and communicates the communities with the administration of the ruling bishop.
In total, at the moment there are about 140 churches within the department. In addition, there are four monasteries, three of which (Tikhvinsky, Uspensky and Kormyansky) are female and one (Nikolsky) is male.
Interaction between church and society in Gomel
Contact between various layers of civil society and church structures is carried out through ten specialized departments, which are located in the diocesan administration building. In addition to them, there are several commissions on various issues relating to the life of the diocese.
As for church education, there are two youth brotherhoods operating in the territory subordinate to the department - the diocesan one and at the monastery of St. Nicholas. In the same monastery, educational lectures on spiritual, local history and other current topics are regularly given to the laity, there is a children's Bible studio and Gospel study groups for youth and adults.
Various events are also held at the general diocesan level, for example, the February tournament of intellectual games “Favor”, which has an international status, or a number of events dedicated to Orthodox Book Day.
Youth brotherhoods are engaged in work related to children from orphanages. A number of clergy of the diocese work in places of deprivation of liberty. Also, from time to time, charity events and other events are held in the region.
Pilgrimage trips
Pilgrimage activities occupy an important place in the life of the Gomel department. On the part of the church leadership, it is supervised by the pilgrimage department. Within the framework of the programs offered by the Gomel diocese, there are pilgrimage trips to holy and memorable places for Orthodox Christians in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Groups also regularly travel abroad, for example to Italy. Every year, young believers travel to France to the Taizé interfaith monastery. But the most popular program provided by the Gomel diocese is a trip to Jerusalem. However, its schedule includes visits to other Christian shrines located on the territory of modern Israel.
GOMEL AND ZHLOBINSK DIOCESE- Belarusian Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in 1925, not replaced after 1935, January 31. 1990 resumed as Gomel and Mozyr within the borders of the Gomel region. Belarus by separation from the Mogilev and Mstislav diocese, approved... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia
The Russian Orthodox Church includes dioceses of direct subordination in Russia, the Near Abroad, America and Europe, the Chinese and Japanese Autonomous Orthodox Churches, the self-governing Ukrainian, Moldavian, Latvian, Estonian and Russian... ... Wikipedia
The article presents brief current information about the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). All dioceses are listed by region of their location in alphabetical order. The titles of bishops coincide with the names of those headed by them... ... Wikipedia
Monastery of the Holy Tikhvin Monastery ... Wikipedia
Monastery of St. John the Kormyansky convent of St. John of Karmyansky monastery ... Wikipedia
This term has other meanings, see St. Nicholas Monastery. Monastery of St. Nicholas Monastery ... Wikipedia
There are articles on Wikipedia about other people with the name Aristarchus and the surname Stankevich. Archbishop Aristarchus ... Wikipedia
/ General information
General information: Gomel diocese
In 2002, nine deacon and five priest ordinations were performed.
The clergy of the diocese worked for the spiritual nourishment of parishioners and those Orthodox Christians who are in prison. In Gomel, the women's colony UZH15/4 is regularly visited by Archpriest Sergius Leonkov, Archpriest John Lendel, Archpriest Andrei Krivitsky, and the sisters of the St. Tikhvin Convent. Particular care is shown for HIV-infected people, tuberculosis patients and juvenile prisoners. Several girls released from the penitentiary colony spent the first time after their liberation living in a convent, where, under the leadership of Priest Vladimir Sulimov and the sisters of the monastery, they underwent social rehabilitation, joined the life of the Church, and worked in obedience. The branch of the women's colony is located in the Rechitsa district of the Gomel region. This department is cared for by a priest from the urban village of Vasilevichi, Rechitsa district, Priest Georgy Novikov. Protodeacon Vladimir Semerok and other priests regularly visit the detention center, where they conduct radio conversations for 1,500 people, and visit prisoners in their cells.
Cooperation continues with the NGO "Alternativa" - a public organization in Svetlogorsk that deals with the problem of drug addicts. Priest Vladimir Sulimov in Gomel, Archpriest Igor Lazovsky and Priest Alexander Kisel in Svetlogorsk are actively involved in drug addiction problems. For people suffering from drug addiction, on Fridays in the St. Peter and Paul Church in Svetlogorsk, an akathist is read before the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice,” conversations and video screenings are held, and pilgrimages are made to local shrines. Step by step, these suffering souls come to life; young people, stricken by a terrible illness, take their first, often timid, but full of love and hope steps towards God.
At the arrival in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" a Spiritual and Educational Center was created in Gomel. The rector of the parish and the organizer of the center is Priest Vadim Kochan. The following are open at the Center:
1. Two-year catechetical courses; Patriotic club "Vityaz"; Icon studio; Church singing circle; Sunday School; Radioelectronics Club; Cutting and sewing courses.
In Gomel, teacher Irina Laikova continues to work at the Ulukovo boarding school among orphans and children left without parental care. Taking into account the abilities and capabilities of the children, they studied such topics as the Law of God, Lives of Saints, Orthodox holidays, Icons of the Mother of God, Conversations on religious topics; musical and other games were held.
All orphanages and boarding schools in the city are spiritually nourished by the clergy and laity of Gomel. With the help of philanthropists, children are constantly visiting churches, where they get acquainted with church life, confess, and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. The sacrament of Baptism is usually performed in an orphanage or boarding school.
Not only clergy and adult believers, but also children are involved in events in orphanages and boarding schools. On the great holidays of Easter and Christmas, the girls' and children's choirs of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of Gomel visit orphanages, a nursing home, and a psychiatric hospital. And for the choir participants, and for the children of orphanages, patients of the Regional Psychiatric Hospital and the Nursing Home, the celebrations take on special joy thanks to these happy moments of warm communication, the exchange of congratulations and hand-made gifts.
Protodeacon John Skrekoten and his wife care for the deaf and mute members of the Gomel Society for the Disabled. Meetings, lectures, excursions to museums and churches are held in a language accessible to these people.
Protodeacon Vladimir regularly conducts talks and lectures with students from educational institutions of Gomel State University and the Belarusian University of Transport, the Polytechnic University and the Cooperative Institute, the Medical Institute and the Institute for Teacher Improvement, Road Construction, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering Colleges, Pedagogical and Medical Schools.
In 2002, the clergy of the diocese took part in round tables organized by the Society of St. Cyril of Turov, the Gomel branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, and the Regional Psychiatric Hospital.
The libraries of all universities and technical schools in Gomel, the pre-trial detention center, the regional hospital, as well as Sixteen city libraries have stands of spiritual literature, which are constantly replenished.
A significant event in the life of the city in 2002 was the consecration of a new church in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, which was performed by the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
Much work is being done to reconstruct the St. Nicholas Church in the monastery of the same name in Gomel. The monks of the monastery serve the monastery courtyard with a temple in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, and also perform divine services in the parish in honor of the Nativity of the Mother of God in the village of Tereshkovichi.
In total, there are 13 Orthodox communities registered in Gomel. The House of Mercy opens with a parish in honor of the holy righteous Matrona of Moscow.
In 2002, it was ten years since the start of church television broadcasts on regional television, in which it participates. The regional radio broadcast network began broadcasting weekly church radio programs live. The Gomel clergy is working on them together.
In the Zhlobin deanery, a residential building was built on the territory of the Holy Trinity Church, and gas heating was installed in the temple. On their own, the community began painting the temple. In the village of Kazimirovo, Zhlobin district, where the women’s monastic monastery is located, the Holy Dormition Church was consecrated, and construction of the monastic building began. Sunday school classes are held for children and adults, and an icon-painting class operates.
In the Rechitsa deanery, the restoration of the previously abandoned Holy Assumption Cathedral is nearing completion. The clergy of Rechitsa provides care for the following city institutions: A comprehensive boarding school for deaf children; Departments of Physical Culture and Sports; Rechitsa Pedagogical College; Rechitsa City Department of Internal Affairs; The House for arts and crafts for children; Rechitsa boarding school for orphans.
In Rogachev, the dean of the Rogachev deanery district, Archpriest Peter Garayev, with the help of the Sisterhood in honor of the saint. Euphrosyne of Polotsk takes care of the local regional hospital and boarding school.
In the Chechersk deanery, thanks to the care of donors, a chapel was built in honor in the urban village of Svetilovichi.
A cathedral in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord is being built in Svetlogorsk. The parish rector holds talks in city libraries, meets with conscripts into the Armed Forces, and appears on local television on the eve of church holidays.
In Dobrush, the rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius Varaksin, conducts classes with disabled children. In the Dobrush gymnasium, monthly conversations on spiritual and moral education are held with students of the cadet class, and in the district library - conversations with city residents on religious topics. The organization of a Christmas tree for disabled children has become traditional. The regional newspaper "Dobrushsky Krai" publishes articles and sermons. Twice a month, local radio broadcasts programs on religious topics. The restoration of the Holy Trinity Church, a monument of wooden architecture, in the village is nearing completion. Krupets of the Dobrush deanery.
In the St. John of Kormyansky convent in the village of Korma, Dobrush region, the canopy over the shrine with the relics of the holy righteous John of Kormyansky is gilded. The clergy and sisters of the monastery provide care for the nursing home in. village of Ogorodnya.
In the diocese in 2002, the church activity of the believing people increased noticeably. This is especially evident during fasting days, when the number of people confessing and partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ increases significantly. In this regard, the demands placed on pastors are increasing.
